Impresive start to the European campaign with a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory over Werder Bremen


No long review here - but it has to be noted that Essien and Ballack were magnificent and Lampard while not at his world beating best still caused a lot of problems for the Germans.
Essien was everywhere enjoying the free role on the right side of midfield with Makalele resuming the defensive midfield role and Essien got his reward with the 24th minute opener. Ballack's touch and vision in passing was magnificent and whetted the appetite for the rest of the season. The penalty was thunderous and showed why the Germans never lose a penalty shoot out. It was "the Drog's Ballacks" as Ballack converted a penalty from the foul on Drogba.


GILES SMITH


For any Chelsea supporters - in fact supporters of football in general, Giles Smith's weekly editorial on the Chelsea Official Website is a scream - a real piss take and very enjoyable read. Click here.


BLUES CLUES: LIVERPOOL


Liverpool obviously consider the game against Chelsea as more important than their Champions League clash with PSV as they rested five of their regular starters including Gerrard and Garcia.

While Liverpool are not in good form right now, and Chelsea have done a double double over Liverpool in the league these past two seasons, Liverpool are desperate and Benitez is a great tactician.
Chelsea are playing some fabulous football but only in spurts which gives teams a chance to compete right now as Chelsea still have to find their groove with all the new faces.

Prediction: 1-1 points dropped by the Champions in a fiercly competitive game. (Hope I am wrong and it is 5-0 to the Blues.)